Germany bans Pastor Terry Jones

Pastor Terry Jones, who received global attention in 2010 when he threatened to burn a copy of the Koran, has been barred from entering Germany.

According to Der Spiegel, a spokesperson for the German Interior Ministry announced on Sunday that Pastor Terry Jones would not be allowed to enter the country, as his presence would be contrary to public order.

The German government made the decision in the light of information that the far right group, Pro Deutschland had invited the Pastor Jones, who supports the flim, The Innocence of Muslims. The group has already placed a trailer for the controversial film the Innocence of Muslims on its website and is planning to show the film in Berlin. Manfred Rouhs, the party's leader, told Der Spiegel:

For us, this is about freedom of art and opinion.

The group's website justifies the film by comparing it to Monty Python's The Life of Brian, representing themselves as defenders of truth.

The Guardian reports that the authorities in Germany are determined to use all legal means to prevent the showing of the film. The Guardian adds that the Interior Minister, Hans-Peter Friedrich, accused the far right of only wishing to provoke Germany's Muslims.

The Muslim News reports that Pro Deutschland may, however, be having second thoughts. It cites an interview with the deputy chairman, Alfred Dagenbach, in which he said the party had yet to make a final decision.